Mansour Abbas Criticizes Minister Ben Gvir and Government Handling of Arab Community Violence

Mansour Abbas, chairman of the Ra'am party, sharply criticized the Israeli government's approach to violence in the Arab community during an interview on 103fm. He stated that "it is impossible to win the war on crime under Minister Itamar Ben Gvir," accusing Ben Gvir of focusing on demolishing homes in the Negev and making inflammatory statements against Arabs rather than addressing crime effectively. Abbas also expressed skepticism about reports that the Shin Bet security agency would assist in tackling the violence, explaining that the agency is legally restricted and cannot intervene without approval from the Attorney General. He said, "Whoever says the Shin Bet is being brought in is misleading us," noting that despite discussions over four years, no legal changes have been made.

Abbas further addressed reports that the Likud party approached Ra'am MK Walid al-Huashla to not oppose a proposal by Minister Karei in the Communications Committee in exchange for halting home demolitions in Bedouin communities in the Negev. Abbas dismissed this as an unrealistic deal, criticizing Likud for repeatedly making such offers without follow-through and emphasizing al-Huashla's responsibility to represent his community's interests.

Reflecting on the 2021 government formation talks, Abbas condemned Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's disrespectful remarks and behavior, which he said prevented Ra'am from joining the coalition. Abbas recounted a tense meeting Smotrich had with Rabbi Druckman, which he witnessed, and described his own constructive dialogue with the late rabbi. He also revealed that before Naftali Bennett approached the change government, he had asked Abbas about joining, but the first option was a full right-wing government that Netanyahu failed to form, leading the mandate to pass to Yair Lapid.